Expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to recognize the achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer.

Whereas Lewis Howard Latimer was an African-American inventor, scientist, and humanist who lived from 1848 to 1928;

Whereas the scientific achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer, including the discovery of the long lasting carbon filament that made commercial light feasible, contributed significantly to the electrical lighting industry;

Whereas the values and achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer embody the spirit and essence of America, and he is a positive role model for the youth of today;

Whereas Lewis Howard Latimer installed some of the earliest outdoor electrical lighting systems used in Philadelphia and New York, and wrote the 1st book concerning the revolutionary electric lighting of Thomas Edison to be published in the United States;

Whereas, as the son of former slaves and as a Civil War veteran, Lewis Howard Latimer campaigned tirelessly to advance civil rights for all Americans;

Whereas Lewis Howard Latimer was not only a scientist, but also a civic leader, an artist, and a poet;

Whereas Lewis Howard Latimer was a truly exceptional American, and merits recognition and appreciation; and

Whereas, in February 1995, the Queens Borough Public Library will unveil an exhibition examining the life of Lewis Howard Latimer against the backdrop of social and technological change that occurred in the United States from 1848 through 1928: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that--

(1) a United States postage stamp should be issued in recognition of the distinctive life and scientific achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer and his civic contributions to the social and technological advancement of the United States; and

(2) the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.